Nov. 15. 2016

Marquette rolls past Howard, 81-49

Marquette once again used a dominant second half to race away from Howard on Monday evening in its home opener at the BMO Harris Bradley Center for an 81-49 victory.

The Golden Eagles (2-0) shot 57.1 percent after the half and outscored the Bison 47-26 in the second stanza after notching 56 points in the final frame against Vanderbilt in Friday’s season lid-lifter. Seniors Katin Reinhardt and Jajuan Johnson each posted a team-best 14 points in the win, while a total of five Golden Eagles reached double digits.

Sophomore Haanif Cheatham contributed a solid all-around performance with 12 points, seven rebounds and tied a career-high with six assists and no turnovers. Freshmen Markus Howard and Sam Hauser each went 3-of-4 from 3-point range on the night and posted 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Senior Soloman Mangham scored 15 points to lead the Bison (0-2), who lost their season opener on Friday at Michigan, 76-58.

Marquette is now 93-7 all-time in home openers since its first season in 1916-17.

The Golden Eagles continue action in the 2K Classic, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, on Thursday in the tournament semifinals against Michigan at Madison Square Garden. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 8:30 p.m. Central time from New York City.